Identify Depression Symptoms after the Loss of a Parent

Losing a parent is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. No matter how aware we are that life is fleeting, we can never be prepared for the fact that our parents are going to leave us one day. This is the reason why many people end up depressed, since they don’t know how to cope with their loss. Depression is a debilitating mood disorder that affects many people around the world. According to the statistics 350 million people of all ages experience symptoms of depression. Therefore, we all need to know what its main symptoms are.

Signs of Depression

Feeling hopeless and helpless, alongside losing interest in any kind of activities and friends are the signs of depression. Additionally, if you’re tired all the time, feeling sluggish, drained, experience appetite change and you can’t seem to concentrate on anything, you could be suffering from depression. Also, if some of the previously easy tasks have suddenly become difficult, you can’t control any negative thoughts and you’ve become more short-tempered, irritable and aggressive than you used to be, you could be experiencing depression. Sleep regimen also changes for people who have experienced loss and can’t cope with it yet. Namely, either they could be sleeping almost through an entire day, or they could be experiencing insomnia.

Some of the more serious symptoms of depression involve engaging in escapist behaviour. Compulsive gambling, substance abuse, dangerous sports or reckless driving are the activities that depressed people practice in order to try to forget about their loss. The worst form of depression includes people trying to take their own life.

Depression is Not the Same for Everyone

Depression manifests differently with men, women, teenagers and older adults. Men won’t acknowledge the feeling of self-loathing as easily as women would. Instead of expressing hopelessness, they’ll say they’re tired, they’ll be irritable, lose interest in hobbies and work and have sleep disorder. Unlike women, depressed men will most likely experience aggression, anger and reckless behaviour

Overeating, weight gain, excessive sleeping and feeling of guilt are the common symptoms of depression that women experience. Depression can affect their menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause as well. Physical pains are the most common symptoms of teen depression, including headache and stomach ache. Agitation, anger and irritability are also the main moods that depressed teens express.

For older adults, fatigue, memory problems and unexplained pains are most common depression symptoms. They tend to neglect their physical appearance, hobbies, lose interest in their job and stop taking their medications if they suffer from a chronic disease.

A Way to Deal with the Loss

Death is unavoidable and almost every person deals with the loss of a parent at some point in life. Therefore, if your parent knows they don’t have much time left due to a vicious illness, you should be there every time they are preparing to say goodbye. Once a parent decides to write a will, help them, call Familywills, and make sure everything’s in order. This will somewhat help you prepare for the sad event that awaits. Furthermore, turn to your friends or family for anything you need. Whether it’s a piece of advice, or a favor, don’t hesitate and look for some comfort. Socializing will prevent you from slipping into depression and really help you take your mind off the sad situation.

Handling the pain after a loss of a parent can be difficult, but remember that it’ll eventually ease. Life goes on, and what doesn’t kill makes you stronger. We’re more resilient than we think, and there’s no obstacle in this world that we can’t overcome.